Vol. 8, Issue 3, Part A (2025)

Background: Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a glycoprotein secreted primarily by granulosa cells of preantral and early antral follicles, serving as a reliable biomarker for ovarian reserve. Serum AMH levels decline with age and become undetectable near menopause.
Aim: This study aimed to assess age-related changes in circulating AMH levels among healthy Iraqi women and to estimate the predicted menopausal age.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Biochemistry, University of Baghdad, College of Medicine, from January to August 2022, under the supervision of the Iraqi Board of Medical Specializations. A total of 123 apparently healthy women aged 25-55 years with regular menstrual cycles were enrolled. Participants were categorized into six age groups (5-year intervals) and by body mass index (BMI) into normal weight, overweight, and obese. Serum AMH concentrations were measured using ELISA.
Results: The overall mean serum AMH level was 1.06±0.94 ng/mL. A significant decline in AMH was observed with increasing age (p<0.0001), with the highest levels in the 25-29.9-year group and the lowest in the 51-55-year group. No significant difference was found between the 45-49.9-year and 50-55-year groups (P=0.54). Overweight (0.91±0.30 ng/mL) and obese women (0.59±0.20 ng/mL) had significantly lower AMH than normal-weight women (1.59±0.77 ng/mL, p<0.01), with no significant difference between overweight and obese groups (P=0.74).
Conclusion: AMH levels decline progressively with age, with menopause estimated around 51±5 years in Iraqi women. Higher BMI is associated with lower AMH levels.